Health chiefs have urgently warned Britons to adopt safety measures after cases of a dangerous food poisoning bug have reached the highest level in a decade.
This is salmonella—which cases of have soared, with a 17.1 per cent increase, from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 in 2024.
These infections are usually caught by eating contaminated food such as poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, as well as unpasteurised milk or cheese.
People can die from them via dehydration or if the bacteria enters the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis — a life-threatening reaction.
In response to the surge in cases, the health officials have reminded businesses and households of important food safety measures.
These follow the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination.
Salmonella is often caught by eating raw or undercooked meat—so when cooking you should follow the time and temperature instructions on product labels.
It is also important to chill food below 5C as this helps stop harmful bacteria from growing.
People should also clean food equipment and surfaces thoroughly and avoid cross-contamination.
This includes things like re-usable shopping bags, knives and chopping boards, cloths and work surfaces.
You should also eat food by the ‘use by’ date on the label even if it looks and smells fine, and wash their hands before and after preparing food.
Those most at risk are those with weakened immune systems such as children and the elderly.
There has also been a 17.1 per cent rise of another potentially deadly bug, campylobacter, which also kills through dehydration which can lead to sepsis.
The number of cases have jumped from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024, reaching 121.9 reports per 100,000 population—with those aged 50 to 79 accounting for 44 per cent of cases.
Large outbreaks last year were linked to lambing events and petting farm venues, and an outbreak in south Devon was associated with mains water.
In terms of salmonella, children under ten were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5 per cent of cases.
The UKHSA and Food Standards Agency (FSA) are looking into potential reasons for the rise in cases.
Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, said: ‘We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in campylobacter and salmonella cases, as well as trends in other pathogens.
‘This analysis will help us take the necessary action to protect public health.
‘We’ve launched a new campaign to help people stay safe.
‘We’re also working with industry and local authorities to support businesses to meet their legal responsibility to make sure food is safe.